Men&#39;s underwear garment

ABSTRACT

A men&#39;s support undergarment with a brief and adjustable bolster. The brief has two leg openings and a torso opening that is fitted with an elastomeric waistband. The adjustable bolster has a foam core covered in an elastic breathable material and is positioned to lift the genitals up and out from between the legs. Bolster supports extend from both ends of the bolster to thread through the elastomeric waistband and adjustably attach to the waistband.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to undergarments. More particularly, the present invention relates to underwear for men including an auxiliary genitalia support.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Undergarments or underwear are clothes worn under other clothes, often next to the skin. They keep outer garments from being soiled by bodily secretions and discharges, shape the body, and provide support for parts of it. In cold weather, long underwear sometimes is worn to provide additional warmth. Special types of undergarments have religious significance. Some items of clothing are designed as underwear, while others, such as T-shirts and certain types of shorts, are appropriate both as undergarments and as outer clothing. If made of suitable material, some undergarments can serve as nightwear or swimsuits. No matter what a person's preference of the specific type of underwear, almost everyone today in a modern society wears some form of underwear or undergarment.

Some undergarments are intended for erotic effect. For instance, many types of bras today help lift and support a woman's breasts to create a more pleasing shape and outline. Other types of bras are aimed at providing support for the breasts, with the use of embedded metallic wires or supports. Currently, the market for female undergarments is a billion dollar industry. Many advances have occurred in new designs aimed at comfort or increasing the shape of the female body. In contrast, there has been little development in the way of men's underwear.

Men often wear briefs, boxer briefs or boxer shorts. Boxer shorts let the genitalia of the man hang down. This means the penis and testicles are not supported, but rather hang loose within the clothing. Many men find this to be very uncomfortable. Additionally, this can be extremely uncomfortable when it comes to playing sports to athletic events. To solve this problem support garments, like a jock strap, help to contain the penis and testicles during physical exercise.

As an alternative, many men wear briefs or boxer briefs which provide more support. However, briefs and boxer briefs squeeze the penis and testicles close to the body. This leads to an increase in heat, as the testicles and penis are more confined. Heat can lead to a variety of problems including a low sperm count, testicular cancer, erectile disfunction, and other vascular diseases. Also, it may be uncomfortable to have one's penis and testicles held so close to the body. Many times the legs of the man squeeze together and pinch the penis and testicles because they are held so close to the body. This is also undesirable and can lead to constant adjusting of one's extremities when sitting, standing, or changing positions.

Accordingly, there is a need for a men's underwear which provides support and also lifts the penis and testicles away from the body while remaining comfortable. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a men's support undergarment for lifting and supporting the genitals. The support undergarment includes a brief with a front panel and a back panel. The front and back panel are connected at the hips and at the crotch, creating two leg openings and a torso opening. The torso opening includes an elastomeric waistband that aids in a creating a close fit with the torso of the wearer. At least two apertures are included in the elastomeric waistband, preferably over the hips of the wearer.

The men's support undergarment also includes a bolster with two ends. The bolster can have an elliptical or circular cross-section, and is made of a foam core that is wrapped in an elastic breathable material. Elastomeric bolster supports extend from each end of the bolster to pass through the apertures in the elastomeric waistband of the brief. The apertures may be slightly angled forward in order to correctly distribute the weight of the bolster.

Means for adjustably fastening the bolster supports to the elastomeric waistband are also provides. These means may be hook and loop closures, snaps, buttons or other similar means. The means for adjustably fastening the bolster supports to the elastomeric waistband allow for the bolster to be correctly fitted under the genitals of the wearer.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side environmental view of the men's support undergarment illustrating the correct placement of the bolster under the wearer's genitals;

FIG. 2 is a side cut-away view illustrating the bolster, bolster supports and waistband of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the men's support undergarment illustrating the placement of the bolster and bolster supports relative to the briefs;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the bolster and bolster supports of the present invention illustrating the connection between the bolster and the bolster supports;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the bolster taken along line 5-5 from FIG. 4, illustrating the foam core surrounded by elastic breathable material;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the waistband of the men's support undergarment illustrating the hook and loop closures for attaching the bolster support to the waistband;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the waistband of the men's support undergarment, similar to FIG. 6, illustrating the hook and look closures between the bolster support and the waistband;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the waistband of the men's support undergarment, similar to FIGS. 6 and 7, illustrating the button and button hold closures between the bolster support and the waistband;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the waistband of the men's support undergarment, similar to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, illustrating the snap closures between the bolster support and the waistband;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged side-view of the bolster and bolster support, taken along circle 10 of FIG. 4, illustrating the placement of the bolster support relative to the bolster; and

FIG. 11 is an enlarged side-perspective view of the bolster and bolster support, taken along circle 11 of FIG. 4, illustrating the connection therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the present invention for a men's support undergarment is referred to generally by the reference number 10. In FIG. 1, the men's support undergarment 10 is shown being worn by a wearer. Briefs 12 are provided with a torso opening and two leg openings. The briefs 12 are styled so as to create a comfortable fit around the lower torso and crotch of the wearer. The briefs 12 may include a breathable mesh panel (not shown) that covers the groin area through the crotch to the rear area of the briefs. The mesh panel is preferably made from a breathable material such as polyester, cotton, a lycra-spandex cotton blend, or other similar material. Including this panel aids in the amount of airflow that can pass through the brief, thus increasing blood-flow to the genitals, and decreasing the temperature therein. A waistband 16 is included around the torso opening of the briefs 12. As shown, the bolster 14 is fitted under the penis and testicles of the wearer. With the bolster in this position, the penis and testicles of the wearer are lifted up from between the legs encouraging air flow and better circulation. The bolster supports 15 extend from the bolster 14 and attach to the waistband 16 of the briefs via means for adjustably fastening 20.

FIG. 2 illustrates the placement of the bolster supports 15 in relation to the bolster 14 and the waistband 16. An aperture 18 is included in the waistband 16 for the bolster support 15. The aperture 18 is preferably angled slightly forward. The angle of the aperture 18 is beneficial for distributing the weight of the bolster 14 across the waistband 16, when the men's support undergarment 10 is in use. The bolster support 15 is attached to the waistband 16 via means for fastening the bolster 20.

In FIG. 3, the men's support undergarment 10 is shown in a top perspective view illustrating the placement of the bolster 14 in relation to the briefs 12. As shown, the briefs 12 have a front panel 32 and a back panel 34. The front panel 32 and back panel 34 are joined at the sides and crotch to create a torso opening and leg openings. The apertures 18 are preferably placed approximately at the hips, and spaced evenly from the middle of the front panel 32. The bolster 14 is placed inside the brief 12 toward the front panel 32, and positioned over the leg openings. The bolster supports 15 extend from the bolster 14 through the apertures 18 in the waistband 16. The bolster supports are then adjustably attached to the waistband via adjustable attaching means 20. In FIG. 3, the adjustable attaching means 20 are hook and loop closures 22. The adjustability of the attaching means 20 is particularly important as it allows the user to adjust the position of the bolster 14 until he finds the most comfortable fit for his body-type. As shown in FIG. 4, the bolster 14 and bolster supports 15 are attached at a connecting seam 19. The connecting seam 19 can be sewn, woven, stamped, glued, tied, or connected via any other similar means.

The interior of the bolster 14 is illustrated in FIG. 5. Air flow is critical to the operation of the men's support undergarment. By providing significant airflow beneath and around the genitals, the genitals experience better circulation and cooling. Better circulation and cooling may contribute to improved genital health and overall comfort. Accordingly, the bolster 14 comprises a foam core 28 wrapped in elastic breathable material 30. The foam core 28 is preferably an open-celled polyurethane foam that promotes air flow. Other open-celled foams may be used to achieve the same result. The elastic breathable material can be a cotton-spandex blend, or any other material that is elastic enough to be wrapped around the foam core, breathable enough to promote adequate airflow, and soft enough to provide long-wearing comfort against the genitals of the wearer. The illustrated cross-section in FIG. 5 is circular, but in other embodiments, the foam core 28 of the bolster 14 may be elliptical to achieve the same airflow and comfort.

Various means for adjustably fastening the bolster supports to the elastomeric waistband are illustrated in FIGS. 6-9. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the adjustable fastening means 20 include hook and loop closures 22. The hooks or loops are attached to the bolster support 15, with the corresponding hooks or loops attached to the waistband 16 such that when the end of the bolster support 15 is pressed against the waistband, the hooks catch on the loops providing a secure attachment. The hooks or loops provided on the waistband 16 cover a larger area than those on the bolster support 15 so that the bolster support can be adjusted farther back on the waistband 16 to provide a tighter fit for the bolster (not shown).

In FIG. 8, the adjustable fastening means 20 is a button and button holes 26. In this embodiment, the button is attached to the waistband 16 with a plurality of button holes being sewn into the bolster support 15. If the wearer wants a loser placement of the bolster (not shown), he would put the button through one of the button holes toward the end of the bolster support 15. If a tighter placement is desired, then the wearer would put the button through one of the button holes on the bolster support 15 nearer the bolster. In FIG. 9, the adjustable fastening means 20 is a snap 24. The male portion of the snap 24 is attached to the bolster support 15 with the female portion of the snap 24 attached to the waistband 16. In this embodiment, several female snap portions are provided to make the bolster support 15 adjustable. If the wearer want a loser placement of the bolster (not shown), he would snap the male portion of the snap 24 into one of the female snap portions nearest the front of the waistband 16. If a tighter placement is desired, the male snap portion is snapped into one of the female snap portions toward the read of the waistband 16.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the placement of the connecting seam 19 between the bolster 14 and the bolster support 15. In order to aid in the breathability of the bolster 14, nothing runs through the center of the bolster 14 other than the foam core 28. For this purpose, the bolster supports 15 are attached to the bolster 14 via the connecting seam 19 at both ends of the bolster 14. As shown in FIG. 10, the bolster supports 15 extend from the center of the bolster 14. The connecting seam 19 is shown in FIG. 11, which is taken from circle 11 in FIG. 4. Here, the connecting seam 19 is sewn between the elastic breathable material 30 of the bolster and the bolster support 15. A person of skill in the relative art will recognize that the connecting seam 19 between the bolster 14 and the bolster supports 15 can be sewn, woven, stamped, glued, tied, or connected via any other similar means.

Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made to each without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A men's support undergarment comprising: a brief comprising a front panel and a back panel connected at the hips and at the crotch creating two leg openings and a torso opening; an elastomeric waistband co-extensive with the torso opening of the brief; a plurality of apertures through the elastomeric waistband positioned evenly around the elastomeric waistband; a bolster with two ends; elastomeric bolster supports extending from each end of the bolster through at least two of the plurality of apertures through the elastomeric waistband; and means for adjustably fastening the bolster supports to the elastomeric waistband.
 2. The men's support undergarment of claim 1, wherein the brief is sized to create a close fit against the lower torso and crotch of the wearer.
 3. The men's support undergarment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of apertures consists of two vertically elongated apertures over the hips of the wearer.
 4. The men's support undergarment of claim 1, wherein the bolster comprises foam core wrapped in elastic breathable material.
 5. The men's support undergarment of claim 4, wherein the foam core has an elliptical cross-section.
 6. The men's support undergarment of claim 4, wherein the foam core has a round cross-section.
 7. The men's support undergarment of claim 1, wherein the means for adjustably fastening the bolster to the elastomeric waistband comprises hook and loop fasteners.
 8. The men's support undergarment of claim 1, wherein the means for adjustably fastening the bolster to the elastomeric waistband comprises snap fasteners.
 9. The men's support undergarment of claim 1, wherein the means for adjustably fastening the bolster to the elastomeric waistband comprises buttons with corresponding button holes.
 10. A men's support undergarment comprising: a brief comprising a front panel and a back panel connected at the hips and at the crotch creating two leg openings and a torso opening; an elastomeric waistband co-extensive with the torso opening of the brief; two apertures through the elastomeric waistband positioned over the hips; a bolster with two ends, wherein the bolster comprises a foam core covered in elastic breathable material; elastomeric bolster supports extending from each end of the bolster through the apertures through the elastomeric waistband; and means for adjustably fastening the bolster supports to the elastomeric waistband.
 11. The men's support undergarment of claim 10, wherein the two apertures through the elastomeric waistband are elongated vertical slots.
 12. The men's support undergarment of claim 11, wherein the elongated vertical slots are angled forward.
 13. The men's support undergarment of claim 10, wherein the bolster has an elliptical cross-section.
 14. The men's support undergarment of claim 10, wherein the bolster has a round cross-section.
 15. The men's support undergarment of claim 10, wherein the means for adjustably fastening the bolster to the elastomeric waistband comprises hook and loop fasteners.
 16. The men's support undergarment of claim 10, wherein the means for adjustably fastening the bolster to the elastomeric waistband comprises snap fasteners.
 17. The men's support undergarment of claim 10, wherein the means for adjustably fastening the bolster to the elastomeric waistband comprises a button and button hole.
 18. A men's support undergarment comprising: a brief comprising a front panel and a back panel connected at the hips and at the crotch creating two leg openings and a torso opening; an elastomeric waistband co-extensive with the torso opening of the brief; two apertures through the elastomeric waistband positioned over the hips, wherein the apertures are vertically elongated slots; a bolster with two ends, wherein the bolster comprises a foam core covered in elastic breathable material with an elliptical cross-section; elastomeric bolster supports extending from each end of the bolster through the apertures through the elastomeric waistband; and hook and loop fasteners between the ends of the bolster supports and the elastomeric waistband. 